We are writing stories and producing online videos about longtime business owners in Kalamazoo, and we're talking a really, really long time. Clothier Fred Libin and furniture restorer Will Wright -- both of whom began doing business in this town in 1953 -- were the first two legendary businesspeople featured.

Those profiled are the ones with "staying power." We're simply showing them off.

As you might expect, both had great stories to tell about their time in this town, how they've seen the business landscape change and what they believe are their secrets to conducting more than five decades of successful business.

What wasn't so expected is the level of reaction the series has received. You have sent more than a dozen e-mails and made about the same number of phone calls expressing appreciation not only for the stories on Libin and Wright, but about the concept itself.
This is what leads me to believe that we are onto something good, that this series might have a little "staying power" itself.

Many of you have told us that institutions of local business such as Libin's and Wright's deserve to be recognized. Even better, we've received many suggestions on whom to include -- people you've been doing business with for years and years.

There is quite a list building and we hope you will be patient if you don't see your suggestion fulfilled right away. We're hoping to get to as many as we can, one long-time entrepreneur at a time.

The series profiles folks whose names you've seen on the fronts of their businesses for years, or longtime owners of businesses you visit -- some for most of your lives.
We're not so much focusing on the business plan of these survivors and thrivers. It's the drive, the unique characteristics and the vision that have allowed them to achieve an "always-there" status in this town.

Libin and Wright are two such examples. They are Kalamazoo treasures and I treasured my time with them. It's a chance to hear personal tales of the roots of their business lives, and some stories that go back long before that.

It is one thing to read a history book, it's another to hear from local historical people themselves, to try to see a piece of yesterday through the eyes of someone who was there.

I am lucky to be able to chat with these interesting folks and hear yarns that go back so many decades ago. I hope my words can impart a little bit of that appreciation in you, a fanciful feel of the fabric of this town.

We are thrilled with your reaction so far. We welcome comments, and even more encouraging are your suggestions. I'll keep writing and Mark Bugnaski will keep producing the videos.

It is our hope that you'll read, watch and enjoy.

Libins men's store

Wright's Upholstery

Jeff Barr can be reached at jbarr@kalmazoogazette.com. His columns appear Sundays in the Kalamazoo Gazette and Thursdays online.